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Proctitis
Inflammation - rectum; Rectal inflammation
Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum. It can cause discomfort, bleeding, and the discharge of mucus or pus.
Causes
There are many causes of proctitis. They can be grouped as follows:
- Autoimmune disease
- Harmful substances
- Non-sexually transmitted infection
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Proctitis caused by STD is common in people who have anal intercourse. STDs that can cause proctitis include gonorrhea , herpes, chlamydia , and lymphogranuloma venereum .
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an infection. It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is most often spread through sexual contact.
Lymphogranuloma venereum
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection.
Infections that are not sexually transmitted are less common than STD proctitis. One type of proctitis not from an STD is an infection in children that is caused by the same bacteria as strep throat.
Autoimmune proctitis is linked to diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease . If the inflammation is in the rectum only, it may come and go or move upward into the large intestine.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...
Crohn disease
Crohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...
Proctitis may also be caused by some medicines, radiotherapy or inserting harmful substances into the rectum.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy uses high-powered x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.
Risk factors include:
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Autoimmune disorders
Autoimmune disorders
An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 types of aut...
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Symptoms
Symptoms include:
-
Bloody stools
Bloody stools
Bloody stools often are a sign of a problem in the digestive tract. Blood in the stool may come from anywhere along your digestive tract from your m...
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Constipation
Constipation
Constipation in infants and children occurs when they have hard stools or have problems passing stools. A child may have pain while passing stools o...
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- Rectal discharge, pus
- Rectal pain or discomfort
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Tenesmus
(pain with bowel movement)
Tenesmus
Tenesmus is the feeling that you need to pass stools, even though your bowels are already empty. It may involve straining, pain, and cramping....
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Exams and Tests
Tests that may be used include:
- Exam of a stool sample
-
Proctoscopy
Proctoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. The sigmoid colon is the area of the large intestine nearest to the re...
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Rectal culture
Rectal culture
Rectal culture is a lab test to identify bacteria and other germs in the rectum that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and disease.
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Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. The sigmoid colon is the area of the large intestine nearest to the re...
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Treatment
Most of the time, proctitis will go away when the cause of the problem is treated. Antibiotics are used if an infection is causing the problem.
Corticosteroids or mesalamine suppositories may relieve symptoms for some people.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome is good with treatment.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Anal fistula
-
Anemia
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Different type...
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Recto-vaginal
fistula
(women)
Fistula
A fistula is an abnormal connection between 2 body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel and another structure. Fistulas are usually the result of...
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of proctitis.
Prevention
Safe sex practices may help prevent the spread of the disease.
References
Coates WC. Disorders of the anorectum. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:chap 96.
Fisher WE. The digestive system. In: Kellerman RD, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2015 . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 8.
Kellerman RD. The sexually transmitted diseases. In: Kellerman RD, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2015 . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 14.
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Digestive system - illustration
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system
illustration
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Rectum - illustration
The rectum is the final portion of the large intestine. It empties stool from the body through the anus.
Rectum
illustration
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Digestive system - illustration
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system
illustration
-
Rectum - illustration
The rectum is the final portion of the large intestine. It empties stool from the body through the anus.
Rectum
illustration
Review Date: 4/20/2015
Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, Gastroenterologist with Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
